Ducted Vac

JMAP · May 28, 2012 12:04 pm

All,

I have attempted to search through the past threads but cant find the answers im looking for so I thought I'd ask the questions here. Couple of questions/Myths I would like to clear up;

1) Can you use a standard 50mm PVC pipe or do you need to use the 'approved' piping that the resellers try to flog?
2) What is the longest run/trunk you can install where it begins to be an issue from a performance perspective? Is there a 'try to keep it shorter than x-metres'?
3) 90mm bends - everything I read tells me to try to avoid them and look for 'sweeping' bends - does this really effect the performance of the system and if so, should i get a bigger system to compensate for the need to use them?

Any additional queries / things to look out for would be appreciated

OurLindrum52 · May 30, 2012 8:46 am

Hi JMAP

I'm no expert but can share what I know about what I know about the system we installed:

1) Our pipes look like standard 50mm PVC piping. Cut and glued the same as irrigation pipes.
2) The longest run in our house (double storey, 52 squares) is approx 25 metres. Vacuum is in the garage.
3) I don't know how you would avoid 90 degree bends for the pipes to run across ceilings then down walls.

One thing we were told by the installer is that people love putting the vacpans in bathrooms to vacuum up the hair. He said this is one of the biggest causes of blockages because of the risk of also sucking up a little water. Over time this mixing with dust/hair/dirt deposits on the inside of the pipes restricting airflow and eventually blocking the pipes.

barkly · Jun 02, 2012 10:53 pm

Hi JMAP,

Also no expert but from what I have been advised and done myself.
No more than two tight 90 degree bends on a pipe run. But with sweeping 90 degree bends apparently no limit. Note that there will most likely be a 90 degree bend behind your wall or floor access point so you need to include these in your calculations.

I am also pretty sure that the OD of what you call standard PVC piping is greater than the OD of the vac type pvc piping so the standard pipe won't fit into the wall/floor outlets, or ultimately in to the vac motor itself. Whilst the brand companies do flog this stuff look up the yellow pages for an independent installer of internal vacs and get your parts through him.

cheers

barkly

JMAP · Jun 04, 2012 10:43 am

Guys,

Thanks for your comments

I called up a couple of Vac companies and they both confirmed that the piping is standard 50MM OD PVC (Same as the pool piping used in filters, pumps, etc). I went down to Masters and they stock them in 6m lengths with all the fittings, etc. Good pricing as well

In regards to the 90 degree bends, they also told me to try to use as little as possible; try for larger spans, incorporating 45 degree bends (which is easier said than done)

Particularly like the comment about the Vac in the bathroom - great in theory but no good practically

thanks again

Uncle Arfur · Jun 04, 2012 11:16 am

A word of caution about PVC pipe sizing. The type they use for water lines is different from the one electricians use and different from the DWV that plumbers use and are NOT compatable with each other. Just be sure which one to buy

Sharp bends can be alleviated by using 2 X 45 degree bends with a short pipe piece between to increase the radius. Make sure you use the Priming fluid to remove the shiny surface before gluing. Joints have pulled apart without being primed first.

Why you would want to go with ducted vacc escapes me with all the improvements in modern vaccuum cleaners with no suction loss, variable heads etc, I think its an expensive waste

JMAP · Jun 04, 2012 11:32 am

Uncle Arfur - the 50mm PVC is not the std PVC - the guys at the store refer to it as pressure pipe

I can see your point with the WHY would people go ducted vacuum. Short answer is personal choice and being used to having it all my life. Only having to drag the hose around the house is a bit easier then trying not to ding the architraves with the Dyson. I also find the ducted Vac to be that much more powerful - with 3 young children and a lot of carpet, it will make the difference

Uncle Arfur · Jun 04, 2012 11:51 am

There is no standard PVC it all depends on the application you need it for.

Your 'Pressure pipe' is water pipe that comes in various wall thicknesses and Im sure its not UV proof. I think they use the lightest wall thickness for vacc systems for cheapness.

barkly · Jun 04, 2012 12:26 pm

Another 'good' location for an access point to your internal vac system is in the kick rail in your kitchen. I have seen a special opening for this position - can't recall the vac brand but the benefit is when doing a floor sweep - sweep it all up to this point, open the vac point, and its all gone.

barkly